The protest follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sweeping reconstitution of the NNPCL board on April 2, 2025, which saw the removal of Kyari and the board’s chairman, Pius Akinyelure. Tinubu also appointed Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group CEO, with Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement released Wednesday morning.
Despite the overhaul, the protesters, led by Convener Kabir Matazu, expressed concern that no official steps have been taken to probe the tenure of Kyari, who they accuse of overseeing an era riddled with allegations of mismanagement and corruption.
Matazu highlighted discrepancies surrounding the rehabilitation and recommissioning of government-owned refineries. According to him, billions of dollars were reportedly spent without accountability or visible outcomes. He particularly questioned a controversial claim that Matrix Energy Limited invested $400 million in the Port Harcourt Refinery—despite the Federal Executive Council’s prior approval of $1.5 billion for the same project.
He also alleged that the NNPCL, under Kyari’s leadership, accrued a debt of over $2 billion to Matrix Energy, which is now being serviced through crude oil allocations—without documented evidence of repayment or financial returns to the federation.
“It is on record that the removal of the erstwhile leadership of the NNPCL was widely applauded by Nigerians. But it is disappointing that no effort has been made to investigate the alleged fraud and mismanagement that occurred during Kyari’s tenure,” Matazu said. He called on the AGF to urgently review all contracts and agreements signed by the NNPCL during Kyari’s administration and initiate legal proceedings where necessary.
The group’s demands echo a growing public call for transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil sector, especially as the country battles mounting economic pressures and a demand for reform in public.
Nigerians need to act now
ReplyDeleteThey keep getting away with these things
ReplyDeleteEvery Nigerian as a citizen has to be dealt with in accordance to the nations law. If we cry for good governance, then the law should be upon each and every citizen. We cry for a better Nigeria
ReplyDeleteCorruption is out of control in Nigeria
ReplyDeleteSerious action needs to be taken
ReplyDeleteThis is a significant development. If the allegations against the ex-NNPCL boss Mele Kyari are true, it’s crucial that justice is served to restore public trust and ensure accountability in our institutions.
ReplyDeleteThis is something to be addressed immediately
ReplyDeleteWe definitely need change in our country
ReplyDeleteThis is a great initiative however there’s a need to apply caution in the probing so as not to be overtaken by the effects of the subsidy removal that was implemented during his tenure in office, to be punished innocently.
ReplyDeleteMay ALLAH ease our affairs.
ReplyDeleteIt is not just about creating awareness or protesting against a particular act , will the government look into the concerns of the citizens.Because I mean something have to be taken into consideration for us to have a better nation
ReplyDeleteNigeria has a lot ahead
ReplyDeleteWe need change in Nigeria
ReplyDeleteJust sad with all the evidences flying. He will go Scott free
ReplyDeleteGood
ReplyDeleteChange is what we need in Nigeria
ReplyDeleteMay Almighty Allah bring ease to the situation we re in Nigeria
ReplyDeleteThe law don't have effect on our so called leader may God help our country
ReplyDeleteWe need change in this country
ReplyDeleteWe really need Allah's interference in this case
ReplyDeleteThe prosperity of the Nigerians expectations must relies on dynamic because noting meant to be permanent except integrity....if changes takes place then the anticipations should be on someone with integrity..... and it's indeed very vivid that changes must start from us we the citizens
ReplyDelete